New Leaders Program for Women

The most capable, rising leaders understand their unique strengths and ways to leverage them for personal and professional success. Women who aspire to reach career advancement goals must dive into their leadership skills early-on, learn fast and perform consistently in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.

About the Program

Participants gain the self-knowledge and skills they need to maintain their competitive edge as they move through their early careers. Women who attend the New Leaders Program learn to claim and leverage their natural talents for career satisfaction and success, negotiate for optimal value, whether advocating for themselves or their company, and build an authentic personal brand that will transcend changing circumstances throughout their lives. Learning alongside other women promotes the development of a strong, career-sustaining network.

The Value

Top corporations require leaders with the vision to inspire followers, the confidence to deliver business outcomes, and the potential to rise up the career ladder. The New Leaders Program enables organizations to grow their pipeline of talented and passionate women leaders for the future.

For the Organization

We partner with top corporations world wide to advance women in the workplace. Fortune 500 organizations report that women who attend a Smith program demonstrate significant improvements in areas like leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation.

For the Participant

Women who attend the New Leaders Program expand their understanding of their true talents and how to apply them to the challenges they face in the office and beyond. Confidence in negotiation supports individual, team, and company interests. And a new network of true peers – other female professionals striving to advance their careers in the face of subtle bias and ongoing struggles with work-life integration – builds a foundation for lifelong confidence and success.

Curriculum

Curriculum

The transition from individual contributor to organizational leader is challenging. Smith’s New Leaders Program gives women access to knowledge, skills, and networks that jump-start leadership behavior and catalyze success. Leadership doesn’t require specific titles or positions, but it does require a set of tools and the mindset and confidence to use them.

Participants will learn how to use their strengths to solve the challenges of leading themselves and their teams. They will understand why people follow and begin to craft their behavior to inspire followers. Sessions on negotiation, personal brand, and networking lay the foundation for successful career expansion and growth.

Typical Curriculum Elements

Strengths-based Leadership

Understand and leverage your unique talents

Lead people and projects to success whether as an individual contributor or a project manager

Negotiation for New Leaders

Learn to plan and prepare for negotiations

Become comfortable asking for and getting what you need

Your Personal Brand

Define your brand to ensure that you’ll be seen and perceived as the leader you aspire to be

Leadership Narrative

Integrate knowledge with personal insights and wisdom for greater clarity and purpose

360-Degree Leadership

Additional leadership benefits for the program include:

Daily wellness programs that model how to increase energy, well-being, and stress-resilience

Why a Women-only Classroom?

Women learning alongside other women creates an environment where participants can take full advantage of the learning experience. Research proves that all-women learning environments inspire increased risk-taking and greater confidence both in and outside the classroom.

Who Attends

Women who attend the New Leaders Program are in their early career, working in the public or private sectors across various industries. Participants seek a deeper understanding of business functions and to expand their capacity as leaders and managers.

Participant titles include:

Project Specialist

Marketing Specialist

HR Manager

A Network for Life

When women at the same career-level are united, they build of a network of true peers – other businesswomen striving to advance their careers in the face of subtle bias and ongoing struggles with work-life integration.

Testimonials

“My deliberate ‘reflection time’ has led to many new strategic ideas and concepts that have had a direct impact on the mission and vision of the organization I lead. I told my CCO it was the best educational experience I have ever participated in, and that I emerged a more inspired, energized and challenged leader.”

Kris C.VP, HEALTHCARE COMPLIANCE, HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL

“After attending the Smith program, I took a more active role in my organization. My more fully developed leadership skills have allowed me to feel more confident and have moved me from being the Product Engineering Supervisor to being a leader within my organization. “

Mariela M.PRODUCT ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR, MACHINERY

“By tackling both technical and soft subjects, as well as giving me tools for self-assessment, the program has helped me become a more effective leader. The instructors were inspiring and engaging – all this allowed me to zero in on how to improve my personal leadership style. I returned to work refreshed and motivated to make a greater impact.”

Sarita F.SENIOR BRAND MANAGER, HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE

"Specialist to Strategist exceeded all of my expectations. By piecing together all the different pieces of my life, the program brought new reflections on things I had learned but had forgotten to apply in real life. The faculty was so knowledgeable and collaborative, both the Smith as well as the external speakers. There are many words that describe Smith College Executive Education: collaborative, forward thinking, passionate, practical, strong, smart, compassionate, trustworthy, innovative, different, visionary, creative, and dynamic… I don’t know where to stop!”

Janine E.SENIOR BUSINESS ARCHITECT, PHARMACEUTICALS

“Spending the time away from my job and my company gave me the opportunity to recognize that I am a strong leader. When I returned, I immediately inserted myself into discussions and situations where I normally may have taken a back seat – I had the increased confidence to just ask for a seat at the table. This renewed sense of purpose has allowed me to think about moving my business forward rather than just keeping it going.”

Elizabeth B.DIRECTOR, CUSTOMER LOGISTICS, HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE

“My Smith experience taught me to step back and think about things more strategically in order to make better decisions. The program quickly provided me with new ways of thinking, a new set of leadership tools, and terrific people connections.”

Susan L.AVP, INSURANCE

“This program exceeded my expectations. I was impressed with how much leadership I have in me, and how by using my strengths I can achieve more than I thought possible. I left Smith feeling inspired, empowered, energized, challenged, excited, accepted, exhilarated, part of a network, and engaged. This training helps you to use your strengths to become stronger and be a great leader!”

Ann B.STRATEGIC PLANNING OFFICER, PHARMACEUTICALS

“My experience at the program had an immediate impact on my work and life. One [session] made me realize I was sacrificing my own health for my job. Outside of work, I am working harder to have a better balance because of my experience at the program. The Smith experience is well worth the investment.”

Lisa B.MANAGING DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES

“I gained the tools to develop myself as a leader and to deliver a broader and larger impact to my company. Upon returning, I began to lead with purpose. My increased confidence and delegation allowed me to take on more responsibilities and even landed me a job promotion.”

Iris S.CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATE MARKETING MANAGER, CONSUMER GOODS

“I got so much out of learning about myself and being a leader! My experience at the program had an immediate impact on my work by giving me the necessary refresh I needed. I was inspired and excited to be part of such a strong network of women. It also gave me the necessary refresh I needed in my life outside of work. What specific returns did I get out of it? Two big things come to my mind: the value of being submerged in a learning environment that touched a wide range of topics – from leadership to networking to finance to health. I now have new leadership tools that will strengthen me, my teams and our practice.”

Lara P.MANAGING DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES

“In my company, Smith programs are very prestigious. The curriculum, passionate faculty, and learning environment are all very impressive and top class. I believe this is the best program for women leaders. It inspires you, makes you more confident and builds your network.”

Mengjuan L.HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, PHARMACEUTICALS

“I very much appreciated being in the presence of talented and influential women. I was able to immediately understand the challenges currently facing our organization, to ensure we survive in this difficult environment, and to be able to make suggestions about how we can innovate what we do and how we do it.”

Susan H.SANTA CLARA ENGINEERING & SITE MANAGER, DEFENSE & SPACE

“I realized that my leadership challenges are not unique to me — they are shared among female leaders in all industries in every corner of the world. This program taught me how to influence company decisions, to engage more in active listening before issuing an opinion or decision, and to connect with my team on a deeper level.”

Veronica C.VP, QUALITY & COMPLIANCE, HEALTHCARE

“This program is not about just listening to presentations. It’s about learning and practicing techniques to help you succeed as a leader. In addition, the relationships that are formed through natural networking are stronger than from other leadership programs I have attended. This is a key experience that any woman leader should attend.”

Sarah M.IT ARCHITECT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES

“I entered the program with expectations to broaden and sharpen my business acumen, but left with a new lens on my professional and personal world. This new lens enables me to see what has been in front of me for years, but blind to my mind.”

Paula W.PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER, CONSTRUCTION

“The program improved my confidence and increased my awareness of what it takes to be a strategic leader (versus a tactical leader). Note to my CEO: the Smith program is an excellent investment for future leaders.”

Wendy T.DIRECTOR, REGULATORY AFFAIRS, MEDICAL DEVICES

“How refreshing to be around so many women leaders. I was able to much better articulate my ideas for how to develop and execute our vision. It also reminded me to support emerging women, which has already helped me identify and develop new talent.”

Casey D.DIRECTOR, CONCEPT & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, CONSUMER GOODS

“I feel much more confident about strategy — including creating a strategy and my ability to be strategic in general. I no longer focus solely on tactical issues and can be a better leader for my team.”

Erin C.SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER & ENGINEERING MANAGER, SEMICONDUCTORS

“Smith College made me see that I am good enough, and I need to step up and take my seat at the table. The course itself had an immediate impact on my work. The first thing that changed for me was how I network. I now know I need to network more. This is a very valuable program and we should be looking at sending someone every year.”

Julie M.PROJECT MANAGER, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES

“What makes Smith’s leadership program unique from other leadership programs I have attended was the opportunity we had to focus on personal and professional development while growing our network of women professionals. I came back more focused and confident in my ability to succeed as a leader. It was the best experience of my career!”

Jennifer D.AVP, CHIEF OF STAFF, INSURANCE

“Smith’s program is unique from other leadership programs I have attended for a few reasons: It is a great mix of classroom education on the hot topics we face as executives in the industry and worldwide marketplace, and it provides opportunity for personal growth as an executive leader. ”

Rhonda J.NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR, HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL

The Experience

“This course was so meaningful to me personally. I had time to pause and reflect on what I am doing. I came away as a better leader, knowing where I want to go and how to make the most of my opportunities.” – Sarah H., Public Utility Manager

Real Women, Real Stories

“How refreshing to be around so many women leaders. I was able to much better articulate my ideas for how to develop and execute our vision. It also reminded me to support emerging women, which has already helped me identify and develop new talent.”

Casey D.DIRECTOR, CONCEPT & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, CONSUMER GOODS

“The program improved my confidence and increased my awareness of what it takes to be a strategic leader (versus a tactical leader). Note to my CEO: the Smith program is an excellent investment for future leaders.”

Wendy T.DIRECTOR, REGULATORY AFFAIRS, MEDICAL DEVICES

“I realized that my leadership challenges are not unique to me — they are shared among female leaders in all industries in every corner of the world. This program taught me how to influence company decisions, to engage more in active listening before issuing an opinion or decision, and to connect with my team on a deeper level.”

Veronica C.VP, QUALITY & COMPLIANCE, HEALTHCARE

“Smith College made me see that I am good enough, and I need to step up and take my seat at the table. The course itself had an immediate impact on my work. The first thing that changed for me was how I network. I now know I need to network more. This is a very valuable program and we should be looking at sending someone every year.”

Julie M.PROJECT MANAGER, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES

“After attending the Smith program, I took a more active role in my organization. My more fully developed leadership skills have allowed me to feel more confident and have moved me from being the Product Engineering Supervisor to being a leader within my organization. “

Mariela M.PRODUCT ENGINEERING SUPERVISOR, MACHINERY

“My experience at the program had an immediate impact on my work and life. One [session] made me realize I was sacrificing my own health for my job. Outside of work, I am working harder to have a better balance because of my experience at the program. The Smith experience is well worth the investment.”

Lisa B.MANAGING DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES

“I feel much more confident about strategy — including creating a strategy and my ability to be strategic in general. I no longer focus solely on tactical issues and can be a better leader for my team.”

Erin C.SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER & ENGINEERING MANAGER, SEMICONDUCTORS

“By tackling both technical and soft subjects, as well as giving me tools for self-assessment, the program has helped me become a more effective leader. The instructors were inspiring and engaging – all this allowed me to zero in on how to improve my personal leadership style. I returned to work refreshed and motivated to make a greater impact.”

Sarita F.SENIOR BRAND MANAGER, HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE

“I got so much out of learning about myself and being a leader! My experience at the program had an immediate impact on my work by giving me the necessary refresh I needed. I was inspired and excited to be part of such a strong network of women. It also gave me the necessary refresh I needed in my life outside of work. What specific returns did I get out of it? Two big things come to my mind: the value of being submerged in a learning environment that touched a wide range of topics – from leadership to networking to finance to health. I now have new leadership tools that will strengthen me, my teams and our practice.”

Lara P.MANAGING DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES

“Spending the time away from my job and my company gave me the opportunity to recognize that I am a strong leader. When I returned, I immediately inserted myself into discussions and situations where I normally may have taken a back seat – I had the increased confidence to just ask for a seat at the table. This renewed sense of purpose has allowed me to think about moving my business forward rather than just keeping it going.”

Elizabeth B.DIRECTOR, CUSTOMER LOGISTICS, HOSPITAL & HEALTHCARE

“What makes Smith’s leadership program unique from other leadership programs I have attended was the opportunity we had to focus on personal and professional development while growing our network of women professionals. I came back more focused and confident in my ability to succeed as a leader. It was the best experience of my career!”

Jennifer D.AVP, CHIEF OF STAFF, INSURANCE

“I entered the program with expectations to broaden and sharpen my business acumen, but left with a new lens on my professional and personal world. This new lens enables me to see what has been in front of me for years, but blind to my mind.”

Paula W.PROJECT CONTROLS MANAGER, CONSTRUCTION

“My deliberate ‘reflection time’ has led to many new strategic ideas and concepts that have had a direct impact on the mission and vision of the organization I lead. I told my CCO it was the best educational experience I have ever participated in, and that I emerged a more inspired, energized and challenged leader.”

Kris C.VP, HEALTHCARE COMPLIANCE, HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL

“I very much appreciated being in the presence of talented and influential women. I was able to immediately understand the challenges currently facing our organization, to ensure we survive in this difficult environment, and to be able to make suggestions about how we can innovate what we do and how we do it.”

Susan H.SANTA CLARA ENGINEERING & SITE MANAGER, DEFENSE & SPACE

“My Smith experience taught me to step back and think about things more strategically in order to make better decisions. The program quickly provided me with new ways of thinking, a new set of leadership tools, and terrific people connections.”

Susan L.AVP, INSURANCE

“This program is not about just listening to presentations. It’s about learning and practicing techniques to help you succeed as a leader. In addition, the relationships that are formed through natural networking are stronger than from other leadership programs I have attended. This is a key experience that any woman leader should attend.”

Sarah M.IT ARCHITECT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES

“In my company, Smith programs are very prestigious. The curriculum, passionate faculty, and learning environment are all very impressive and top class. I believe this is the best program for women leaders. It inspires you, makes you more confident and builds your network.”

Mengjuan L.HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR, PHARMACEUTICALS

“Smith’s program is unique from other leadership programs I have attended for a few reasons: It is a great mix of classroom education on the hot topics we face as executives in the industry and worldwide marketplace, and it provides opportunity for personal growth as an executive leader. ”

Rhonda J.NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR, HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL

“I gained the tools to develop myself as a leader and to deliver a broader and larger impact to my company. Upon returning, I began to lead with purpose. My increased confidence and delegation allowed me to take on more responsibilities and even landed me a job promotion.”

Iris S.CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS ASSOCIATE MARKETING MANAGER, CONSUMER GOODS

"Specialist to Strategist exceeded all of my expectations. By piecing together all the different pieces of my life, the program brought new reflections on things I had learned but had forgotten to apply in real life. The faculty was so knowledgeable and collaborative, both the Smith as well as the external speakers. There are many words that describe Smith College Executive Education: collaborative, forward thinking, passionate, practical, strong, smart, compassionate, trustworthy, innovative, different, visionary, creative, and dynamic… I don’t know where to stop!”

Janine E.SENIOR BUSINESS ARCHITECT, PHARMACEUTICALS

“This program exceeded my expectations. I was impressed with how much leadership I have in me, and how by using my strengths I can achieve more than I thought possible. I left Smith feeling inspired, empowered, energized, challenged, excited, accepted, exhilarated, part of a network, and engaged. This training helps you to use your strengths to become stronger and be a great leader!”

Ann B.STRATEGIC PLANNING OFFICER, PHARMACEUTICALS

Enrollment

Program Dates

May 2 – 4, 2018

Program Fee

$5,100 USD, includes tuition, all materials, and most meals; does not include travel or accommodations